Mears can't understand why Bath are so good in Europe

England international Lee Mears admits he is at a loss to explain Bath's latest push for European honours on the back of inconsistent Guinness

Premiership form.

Bath, Heineken Cup semi-finalists last season, have again played their best rugby in Europe this term, securing a Challenge Cup semi-final appointment with Saracens at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

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Bath hooker Mears said: "I don't really know how to explain both last season, when we reached the Heineken Cup semi-finals when we were struggling in the league, and this season, when we have yet to record a Premiership away victory, but are undefeated in Europe.

"Suffice to say that playing in Europe is a big motivator for us. It is a great competition, and once you build up a bit of momentum then

confidence and form usually follow."

Bath will head to Vicarage Road though, without incisive attacking weapon Nick Abendanon, who suffered a cracked rib during the Premiership defeat against Sale Sharks last Friday.

Joe Maddock lines up at full-back as Abendanon's replacement, while Tom Cheeseman moves to the right wing instead of Michael Stephenson and David Bory wears Bath's number 11 shirt.

Two other changes see centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu preferred to Chev Walker and number eight Zak Feaunati starting instead of Jonny Faamatuainu.

Saracens boss Alan Gaffney makes three switches from the side that accounted for Harlequins last time out, fielding a different front row unit of Nick Lloyd, Shane Byrne and Cobus Visagie.

But although title play-off contenders Saracens are way ahead of Bath in the Premiership pecking order, skipper Simon Raiwalui anticipates a tough

encounter.

He said: "I think it is actually harder going in against a team we know so well.

"Obviously, there is the fact we know their weaknesses and they know ours, but it is also much harder to put something together which will take them by surprise.

"We are both physical teams, so the supporters can expect a real battle."